Lazy Sunday...but someone is making money. Zain network from Saudi Arabia, the third national operator, gave Motorola $335m to setup their 2G and 3G networks. And now, the press release:

Under the terms of the contract, Motorola will supply its GSM/HSxPA network solutions as well as comprehensive managed services for network design, integration, deployment, operations and maintenance. This contract brings Zain’s technology preparations and infrastructure requirements another step closer to the planned launch of services in the first half of this year. “We look forward to the launch of Zain in Saudi Arabia and are keen to offer our customers in the Kingdom the voice quality and innovative next-generation data communication services that they have come to expect from our networks throughout the region,” said Dr. Marwan Alahmadi, CEO, Zain in Saudi Arabia.

“With Motorola’s solid understanding of our business objectives, we are confident that the global company can deliver the mobile solutions and services we need, efficiently, on time and cost effectively, to launch Zain’s network successfully to mobile communications customers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Motorola’s experience in the Kingdom encourages us to believe that we will meet our challenging targets here,” he added.

Network deployment is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2008 to enable Zain to launch its network in Saudi Arabia on schedule and allow Zain’s Saudi customers to enjoy high-speed mobile Internet access and a range of mobile multi-media applications and services.

“This contract reinforces Motorola’s commitment to continue delivering to Zain high performing, reliable GSM networks that effectively support Zain’s growth plans. Motorola has been a key technical and strategic solution provider to Zain (formerly the MTC Group) for the last 14 years and we are delighted to have played a role in Zain’s remarkable growth and success story. Motorola’s cost-effective GSM solutions and managed services are designed to enable Zain to meet its launch timelines while reducing its operational costs which, unless managed effectively, can be quite significant,” said Ali Amer, vice president sales, Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility.

“This deployment also reinforces Motorola’s ongoing commitment to support the growth of Saudi Arabia’s telecoms sector and we look forward to continue supporting the objectives of operators such as Zain to provide Saudi customers with high quality mobile communications services,” added Amer.